1. 1992-93: P42 W24 D12 L6 F67 A31 Pts84

Won by 10 pts from Aston Villa on 2 May (two games to spare)

It is easy to forget the astonishing pressure that United were under as they sought their first title in 26 years. They were eighth when Ferguson signed Eric Cantona in late November; The Frenchman revitalised United and they eventually pipped Aston Villa and Norwich City with a storming run of seven successive wins, including Steve Bruce's legendary 96th-minute winner against Sheffield Wednesday

2. 1995-96: P38 W25 D7 L6 F73 A35 Pts82

Won by four points from Newcastle on 5 May (no games to spare)

The most romantic of Ferguson's titles. Alan Hansen infamously said United could not win anything with kids, but they had Eric Cantona and Peter Schmeichel in the form of their lives: the pair combined in a series of 1-0 wins in the run-in as United obliterated Newcastle's 12-point lead and drove Kevin Keegan to a public meltdown

3. 2006-07: P38 W28 D5 L5 F83 A27 Pts89

Won by six points from Chelsea on 6 May (two games to spare)

Ferguson had gone three years without a title and José Mourinho's Chelsea were apparently omnipotent. Then United hit the ground sprinting with four goals against Fulham in the first 19 minutes of the season. With Cristiano Ronaldo moving from good to great, Ferguson's team swaggered to the title

4. 1998-99: P38 W22 D13 L3 F80 A37 Pts79

Won by one point from Arsenal on 16 May (no games to spare)

The first part of a historic Treble came after a magnificent, unyielding race with an outstanding Arsenal team – still probably the toughest opponents Ferguson has overcome. The instant chemistry of Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole was crucial as United's Irresistible Force finally shifted Arsenal's Immovable Object on the final day.

5. 2002-03: P38 W25 D8 L5 F74 A34 Pts83

Won by five points from Arsenal on 4 May (one game to spare)

Arsenal were superior for much of the campaign, with United hanging on through mental strength and a stream of late winners. Then they hit form. Ruud Van Nistelrooy smashed 13 goals in eight games and United gobbled up Arsenal's eight-point lead with some blistering football, never more so than in a startling 6-2 win at Newcastle.

6. 2010-11: P37* W22 D11 L4 F74 A35 Pts77

Won on 14 May (one game to spare)

The fact that this is arguably the weakest of Ferguson's title sides makes this one of his worthier achievements – especially as it is United's record-breaking 19th title. The squad is a peculiar mix of youth and experience, humility and arrogance, flair and diligence. It's hard to imagine anyone but Ferguson getting so much out of them.

7. 2007-08: P38 W27 D6 L5 F80 A22 Pts87

Won by two points from Chelsea on 11 May (no games to spare)

The season was ultimately defined by victory in Europe, although United were pushed all the way domestically by first Arsenal and then Chelsea. This was a squad triumph, the first season in which Ferguson did not really have a best XI. Cristiano Ronaldo hammered 31 league goals, and United scored four or more in nine of their 38 games.

8. 2008-09: P38 W28 D6 L4 F68 A24 Pts90

Won by four points from Liverpool on 16 May (one game to spare)

A slightly colourless triumph built more on defence than attack, with United keeping a record 14 consecutive clean sheets. Attacking flourishes were fairly infrequent, although there were two comebacks for the ages against Aston Villa and Spurs in April. The fact they overcame Liverpool, and after Rafa Benítez's clumsy prepared speech, made victory all the sweeter.

9. 1993-94: P42 W27 D11 L4 F80 A38 Pts92

Won by eight points from Blackburn on 2 May (two games to spare)

Ferguson's first great side were an intoxicating fusion of testosterone, tempo and technique, with a scarily strong spine. Although a dogged Blackburn side cut a 14-point lead to just three at the start of April, it would have been a major shock had United failed to retain their title. The 5-0 demolition of a good Sheffield Wednesday side was an exhilarating highlight.

10. 1996-97 P38 W21 D12 L5 F76 A44

Won by seven points from Newcastle, Arsenal and Liverpool on 6 May (two games to spare)

The fellow challengers were pitiful, and no English champions have had a lower points total in the era of three for a win. But winning the title was no mean feat given that United spent most of the season concentrating on an intrepid European Cup campaign. They lost 5-0 and 6-3 in consecutive games at Newcastle and Southampton in October, before upping their game after Christmas in familiar style.

11. 1999-2000 P38 W28 D7 L3 F97 A45 Pts91

Won by 18 points from Arsenal on 22 April (four games to spare)

A title that was partly won on the beaches of Brazil. When United went to Brazil for the World Club Championship and some mid-season sun, their rivals caught a cold: Arsenal, Liverpool and Leeds all queued up to drop points. United, scoring goals in industrial quantities, won the title at a canter.

12. 2000-01 P38 W24 D8 L6 F79 A31 Pts80

Won by 10 points from Arsenal on 14 April (five games to spare)

The easiest of the lot. United were so superior that they won a third consecutive championship on autopilot, effectively by New Year's Day and actually on Easter Saturday. A regal Teddy Sheringham was Player of the Year but, a 6-1 demolition of Arsenal aside, this was relatively unmemorable.